I've always liked James Murphy. He's a charming character, rattling the cages of his very own audience with stuff like "Losing My Edge" while giving you the old "wink wink, nudge nudge," telling you he knows he's just as bad. Plus, he keeps the rockstar dreams alive for doughy, scruffy, un-rockstar type dudes like myself. Predictably, the DFA haters were all over the first single, "North American Scum(1)," but here's the thing: by now, LCD Soundsystem songs run on a pretty precise formula (hard, skeletal percussion + affected vocals + shouting female backups + COWBELL), and if you're waiting for something else, they're probably not the band for you. Meanwhile, if you like your disco new and your jams extended, have I got the album for you! Check the Italo-influenced opener "Get Innocuous(2)," the piano-driven "All My Friends(3)," the punky "Watch The Tapes(4)" or the appropriately titled closer, "New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down(5)." In 20 years, when this shit isn't cool anymore, some kids are gonna discover this album and think it's the greatest thing ever. It's not - but it sure is fun. 9 tracks; 55:55 minutes, double vinyl.

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red